CDC report finds sodium consumption high among US children

More than 40 percent of sodium comes from 10 common types of food

More than 90 percent of U.S. children, aged 6-18 years, eat more sodium than recommended, putting them at risk for developing high blood pressure and heart disease later in life, according to a new CDC Vital Signs report.

This report provides the most recent data detailing how much sodium school-age children eat and where it comes from. Using data from CDC’s 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, CDC researchers determined that about 43 percent of sodium eaten by children comes from the 10 foods they eat most often: pizza, bread and rolls, cold cuts/cured meats, savory snacks, sandwiches, cheese, chicken patties/nuggets/tenders, pasta mixed dishes, Mexican mixed dishes, and soups.

“Too many children are consuming way too much sodium, and the result will be risks of high blood pressure and heart disease in the future,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Most sodium is from processed and restaurant food, not the salt shaker. Reducing sodium intake will help our children avoid tragic and expensive health problems.”

To help reduce the amount of sodium children are consuming daily, parents and caregivers, as well as schools, communities, and places that sell, make or serve food, are all encouraged to take steps to ensure more low-sodium options. For example, parents can establish healthy eating habits in their children by providing a diet high in fruits and vegetables without added sodium.

Vital Signs is a monthly report that appears as part of the CDC journal, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Reducing Sodium in Children's Diets
The pressure is on to keep blood pressure down

September 2014

90%

About 90% of US children ages 6-18 years eat too much sodium daily.

10

10 common types of foods contributed more than 40% of the sodium eaten by children.

1 in 6

1 in 6 children has raised blood pressure, which can be lowered in part by a healthy diet, including less sodium.

About 9 in 10 US children eat more sodium than recommended. Most sodium is in the form of salt, as a part of processed foods. A high sodium diet can lead to high blood pressure. About 1 in 6 children ages 8-17 years has raised blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Lowering sodium in children's diets today can help prevent heart disease tomorrow, especially for those who are overweight. The taste for salt is established through diet at a young age. Parents and caregivers can help lower sodium by influencing the way foods are produced, sold, prepared, and served.

As a parent and caregiver, you can:

  • Model healthy eating for your children by having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables without added sodium.
  • Compare Nutrition Facts labels to choose the lowest sodium option before you buy.
  • Ask your grocery manager to provide more low sodium options of your family's favorite foods.
  • Request restaurant nutrition information to make lower sodium choices.